“The point being here that each dietary intervention, on this basis, is personalised; dependent on specific tailored food-IgG test results; providing a unique targeted approach.” – Dr. Gill Hart

What is the difference between food intolerance* and food allergy?

It is estimated that up to 45% of the population suffer from food intolerances* which, whilst not life-threatening, can cause many different symptoms. Digested foods are usually broken down into smaller fragments for easy absorption in the body. Sometimes larger fragments can pass through the gut into the bloodstream, causing the body to react to them as invaders, attacking them using antibodies called Immunoglobulin G (IgG). IgG antibodies to foods are linked to inflammation in the body and are associated with food intolerances*. Symptoms can be slow to develop and can take hours or days to appear. Food allergy is very different; it produces reactions very quickly and can be life-threatening. Furthermore, while food allergies are life-long, food intolerances* can be reversible.

My doctor has carried out an allergy test, why don’t the results correspond to the results of Lorisian?

The Lorisian test measures the delayed food intolerance* reactions in the form of IgG antibodies. Allergy tests measure the rapid reactions caused by raised IgE antibodies. Since these tests measure different types of antibodies, the results do not correspond.

What are the most common allergens?

Everyone’s “fingerprint” of IgG reactive foods is different and so it is not possible to generalise. The exact food types will be unique to each individual.

Why can’t the Lorisian test be used to test children under the age of 2?

The immune system is not fully developed under the age of 2. Changes in the diet at that age must be supervised by a medical practitioner as it may leave the child deficient of nutrients. Lorisian can accept samples from children under 2 if they have a referral from a medical practitioner.

Why can’t women take the Lorisian test if they are pregnant or breastfeeding?

Optimal nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding is vital for mother and child. To reduce any possible risk to the mother or baby, it is Lorisian protocol not to offer tests or treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition, the test has not been validated in pregnancy.

Can the food-specific IgG test be taken if someone is taking antihistamines?

Antihistamines do not affect IgG antibody production and so the answer is yes.

Can the food-specific IgG test be taken if the customer is taking corticosteroids or immunosuppressant medicines?

Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants can suppress antibody production. The test can be carried out as the results will still reflect the immune status at the time, however, results may be less pronounced. This information needs to be passed on to the customer.

How long should foods be eliminated for?

This depends on the severity of symptoms. Normally foods should be eliminated for around 3-6 months; however, with a particularly bad reaction this period may need to be extended, while some people may have to eliminate their problem foods for many years. The vital thing to consider when reintroducing foods that have been excluded from the diet for any significant amount of time is that foods should be reintroduced carefully and in a planned manner. Make sure the client has plenty of time to do this and is aware to leave at least one week between each food that is reintroduced and the next.

Should the client repeat the test after they have changed their diet?

Your client should repeat the test if they fit the following criteria: | If they are reacting to any new foods and want to identify and eliminate these from their diet. | If they have started to reintroduce previous trigger foods into their diet and are still reacting to them. | Regular testing can help you keep a check on reactive foods.

The test shows reactions to foods that have not been eaten. How is this possible?

Some types of proteins are present in more than one food type. In addition many foods contain “hidden” ingredients that may be eaten without one realising it.

What should the client do if they crave one of their trigger foods?

Those with food intolerances* often crave the foods that they are intolerant to. If they can resist the temptation for a few days then the cravings should reduce and they will find it easier to avoid the food in future.

What happens if the client reacts to citrus fruits?

Do they need to avoid citric acid? IgG antibodies can only be formed by reactions to proteins. Citric acid is a chemical and not a protein and so while they will need to remove the particular fruit(s) from their diet. They will not need to avoid citric acid.

There has been a request to provide another blood sample. Why is this?

Every laboratory test that is processed by Lorisian includes individual checks (quality controls) to ensure that the results that are provided are reliable. On rare occasions these fail to pass Lorisian’s stringent standards. In these cases Lorisian has to ask for the client to provide another sample.

What is the sensitivity and specificity of the Lorisian tests?

Sensitivity and specificity are measures that show how a diagnostic test is performing compared to the “true” result. This “true” result is usually determined by a Gold Standard method. For food-specific IgG tests there is NO Gold Standard method. Lorisian have shown that their food-specific IgG tests are effective by carrying out clinical trials.

The test shows the presence of antibodies against yeast. Does it mean that the client has a Candida infection?

The test is not a test for Candida or Candida antibodies. People who react to yeast are however advised to cut down on foods that contain yeast and also foods that can stimulate yeast and Candida overgrowth, such as sugary foods.

Does a diet to lose weight work based on the IgG results?

When your body has an immune response it acts as if it is “under siege”, hoarding supplies and carrying weight and fluid. Removing foods that have caused an IgG reaction have been shown in a clinical study to help people to lose weight, feel better and improve body composition.

The Lorisian test is carried out in a laboratory. What accreditations does the laboratory have?

Lorisian has ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 accreditation. The laboratory tests and products meet all the requirements of the European Medical Device and In Vitro Diagnostic Device Directives.

Can those that test positive to cow's milk use lactose-free milk?

No, the lactose is not the problem – it is the proteins that are present in cow’s milk that cause the intolerance* and these are still present in lactose-free milk. Alternatives such as soya, coconut, almond, hazelnut, rice, or oat milk should be used.

Can those that test positive to cow's milk use goat's or sheep’s milk?

It is possible to react to the proteins in cow’s milk and not to those found in goat’s or sheep’s milk. The Lorisian 150plus test includes these three ingredients to help give a fuller understanding of reactions to animal milks and help make appropriate dietary changes.

Can those intolerant to hen’s eggs eat duck, quail or goose eggs?

The best course of action would be to avoid all eggs.

Is gluten-free the same as wheat-free?

A product can be wheat-free and not gluten-free and a product can be gluten-free and not wheat-free. There are however, products which are both gluten-free and wheat-free. We advise clients to read food labels carefully.